SRU President Tells Trustees Applications for Enrollment Increasing

SPOTLIGHT

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.
-- Slippery Rock University President Robert M. Smith told the
university’s council of trustees applications for enrollment
are up 38 percent from last year and the acceptance rate is
approximately 55 percent compared with 63 percent a year ago,
reflecting more rigorous admission standards.

Reporting
today at the council’s regular quarterly meeting, Smith noted
majors experiencing higher increases include exercise science,
biology, chemistry and most of the education specialties. “We
are delighted to see a 109 percent increase in out-of-state
applicants, a 40 percent increase in international student
applications and a 37 percent increase in graduate student
applications, primarily in physical therapy, counseling and
development, and sport management,” he said.

He said
current enrollment of 8,105 is an increase of 2.2 percent, the
fourth largest increase among the Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education institutions. “Our enrollment management
plan has consistently provided measured growth through retention
and transfer students,” Smith explained. “We recognize
much of the enthusiasm for applying to Slippery Rock University has
been generated by a combination of marketing strong academic
programs and the much improved physical
facilities.”

He reported
the new student housing project now under construction has been an
“economic spark” generating more than $13 million for
Butler County contractors and employing more than 500
workers.

On a
cautionary note, he told the council as much as $3.5 million in
projected expenses may have to be cut from next year’s
budget. “With continuing spiraling costs of health-care
coverage, contractual salary obligations and skyrocketing energy
costs, we are taking a careful look at low performing academic
programs and the cost of athletics,” Smith said.

Contributions to fire
departments

The
council voted to contribute $15,000 to the Slippery Rock Volunteer
Fire Department, with a request it be shared with the rescue squad.
In addition, it donated $1,000 to be split between the Sandy Lake
and Stoneboro volunteer fire departments for availability to the
McKeever Environment Learning Center.

Trustees welcomed
new trustees Grace Hawkins of Cranberry and Nick DeRosa of New
Castle, and passed a resolutions thanking former council member Dr.
Arlene Quinlan of Butler for distinguished service to the
university.

Recognizing
that Smith represents the university, is considered a highly
visible public official and has been occasionally requested to
provide personal contributions to candidates seeking public office,
the council voted to “recommend that the university president
refrain from making any personal contributions to a candidate for
public elected office or any political party or political action
committee.”

Trustees also
reviewed and approved service and supply purchase orders, contracts
and fixed assets.

A donation of
$250,000 from the Snyder Charitable Foundation based in Kittanning
was recognized with a resolution naming the lobby of the
soon-to-be-opened science building the Snyder Charitable Foundation
Lobby.

One retirement was
noted: Dr. Kathleen Kellinger, associate professor of nursing, of
Baden, with eight years of service.